#AdvancingChangeHeroes – Nkupane Ntswane “Bhuti”

“A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.”

We often meet and work with people from various backgrounds and each has their own story and unique challenges which they overcome every single day. They all, however, have one thing in common and it is that they always put the needs of others ahead of their own.

Our latest #AdvancingChangeHeroes feature focuses on a young man who has lived in Klipheuwel since 2000.

He was left alone at the age of 12 with his brother who was 7 when his parents went back to the Eastern Cape and as a result had to grow up very fast; at the age of 13 he started providing for his family.

Meet Nkupane Ntswane “Bhuti”

Nkupane Ntswane “Bhuti” is the Chairperson of Klipheuwel Community Development Forum (KCDF) in Klipheuwel.

The main objective of the KCDF is to promote unity, peace, stability and inclusive sustainable development in the Klipheuwel Community.

Through these objectives they address the socio-economic development needs of the community at structural and sectoral levels.

The work the KCDF does is extremely important, and the believe that they are there to serve, love and help bring joy to the community’s lives.

The community now have an organisation which is on the ground and supports them at their own level which in turn sees the community grow through trust and loyalty.

“Our biggest challenge we face is education and job creation. Most of the children get food at school and so when the schools are closed or they can’t get to school they simply don’t eat”

Bhuti currently looks after his sister’s twin boys who are now 13 years old, his brother who is 20 years old and his 6-year-old daughter who he supports and sees on weekends and holidays. She stays with her mom. Bhuti sometimes looks after his cousin’s brother’s 5 year old son on weekends when his mom is working.

He says it can be very tough and challenging but they look up to him and respect him and he does have the support of the community when he can’t meet all their needs.

Each day presents its own challenges, however Bhuti insists he sees each day as an opportunity to serve the Klipheuwel people and try help wherever he can.

Watch the video below to learn more about Bhuti and the work he is doing in Klipheuwel.